Maui church, beach park: perfect wedding spot?

She’s never been there, but Hawai’i Insider reader Geraldine Picazo of Antioch figured out the location of the most recent Sunday photo quiz (see pictures below) by “researching wedding sites in Maui County,” she admitted. “From the description of the church and its surroundings, I realized this location would be perfect for a wedding.”

“This Hawaiian church was established in 1850. The present structure was built in 1929 and was remodeled in 2009. It comfortably accommodates 80 people and has wheelchair access,” wrote auction contacts Bob and Aileen Trout, the congregation leader, who was also instrumental in its restoration. “Because this is a small congregation, there is no pastor available. You will need to provide the minister and music. There is a keyboard/piano for your use.”

Although the church is just off the busy Lower Honoapi’ilani Highway, close to condos (as you can see above) and stores, it faces pleasant Honokowai Beach Park, a 4.5-acre site with a broad lawn, shaded picnic areas, a playground, parking, restrooms and shower.

“I immediately recognized the Lahuiokalani chapel across from Honokowai Beach Park in Maui from the photo. When I was stationed at Kaneohe Bay, one of my best friends was from Maui. We took a lot of weekend trips to the neighbor islands and when we went to Maui, we often spent time with his family barbecuing at that park,” wrote Roy Ferreira of Oakland, who added he plans to move back to the islands some day.

“Not a great beach due to the rocks but the snorkeling is great and there is very little wave action in the area,” commented Steve Hayes of Belmont, whose wife Nancy also identified the church in a separate email.

Jeff Tateosian of Burlingame was a little off on the location of the church, but he knew the beach was north of Lahaina. A regular visitor to Maui since 1970, he also shared this story: “My favorite old church on Maui is the church in Lahaina that has the ‘Jesus Coming Soon’ sign on it. Every time we go there, we pass the church and say, ‘Jesus hasn’t come yet,’ with a chuckle — 40 years of saying it.”

Thanks to all the readers who answered the quiz, and look for another one next Sunday.

Jeanne Cooper / Special to SFGate

Honokowai Beach across from Lahuiokalani church offers good snorkeling, according to one reader.

Jeanne Cooper / Special to SFGate

In an otherwise densely built area, Honokowai Beach Park provides a green oasis.